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Power Belongs to God (Part One)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God's power is the supreme force in all creation, as David expresses in Psalm 62:11, emphasizing that power belongs to God. This power is not merely a possession but something He can wield in any situation or distribute as He sees fit. No one can resist or nullify His will, for all power flows from Him, and He alone decides its use. David underscores this by repeatedly affirming that God is the only sure place of refuge and help in times of trouble, naming Him as our Rock, Salvation, Defender, Refuge, and Glory. These titles reflect God's unmatched strength and ability to act, influence, and provide stability, protection, and favor even amidst adversity. Beyond brute strength, God's power encompasses a vast array of qualities such as love, intellect, wisdom, understanding, vision, logic, energy, eloquence, authority, control, mastery, persuasion, and forgiveness. In every area of need, God stands superior to any other source we might seek. David suggests that when help is required, we should go directly to the top, to our Father who is willing to provide. Furthermore, God's power is coupled with mercy, ensuring that even His correction is an act of love. This combination of strength and willingness to act according to His purpose forms the foundation of a believer's practical faith, making God the most qualified and trustworthy source of help in any circumstance.

Power Belongs to God (Part 1)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Power belongs to God. It is not merely that God is powerful; power is His possession to use and distribute as He sees fit. All power flows from Him, and He gives it to whomsoever He wills. This understanding is crucial because it underscores that God's power is the foundation of our faith and trust in Him. He is our Rock, our Salvation, our Defender, our Refuge, and our Glory because power belongs to Him. God's power encompasses not just brute force but also intellect, wisdom, understanding, vision, logic, energy, eloquence, wealth, authority, privilege, prerogative, control, mastery, persuasion, forgiveness, and mercy. There is no help like Him anywhere, as He is superior to any other source we might seek for aid. Therefore, when in trouble, we should turn to God first, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of power and the only One who can be fully relied upon in our time of need.

Power Belongs to God (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

In this critical time of impending turmoil and spiritual confusion, it is vital to recognize that true power and strength reside solely with God. His power is not merely brute strength but encompasses love, mercy, wisdom, foresight, discernment, and intellectual genius, combined with His willingness to act on behalf of those called according to His purpose. Through the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He demonstrates His active intervention for the benefit of His people, endowing them with many powers. Jesus Himself declares that without Him, we can do nothing, emphasizing that He alone is our salvation and possesses the power to save us. This power enables our cooperative efforts to grow into His likeness and enter the Kingdom of God. God's power is absolute and unassailable, as no one can stand in the way of completing His purpose for each of us. He has the necessary abilities to do as He sees fit, always acting according to what is right for His purpose. Even in circumstances where His provision may not align with our desires, His providence remains certain, and His watchfulness covers every aspect of our lives. Jesus affirms that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him, equipping Him to handle our needs across the widest variety of situations. This authority, bestowed by a greater Being, underscores His position over all other beings and institutions, ensuring that His will prevails. In contrast, even Satan's powers, though formidable, are limited and meted out only as God permits for His purposes. God's continuous management and ruling over the affairs of men reveal His active involvement in bringing His purpose to pass at all times. He appoints authorities to maintain order, encourage good conduct, and punish wrongdoing, demonstrating that no enemy can deflect or nullify the unseen Power standing behind all visible powers. Thus, in every circumstance, our deliverance comes from God, and our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ is the key to accessing this power. We must turn to Him in times of need, trusting that He will supply all our needs according to His riches and purpose.

Power Belongs to God (Part 2)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Power belongs to God, our Father in Heaven. He is the source of the greatest power in the universe, and He distributes various powers such as love, wisdom, mercy, intellect, judgment, and understanding as He wills. These powers are available to His children through Jesus Christ. God uses His power for our benefit, providing us with strength, health, sound mindedness, education, and opportunities. He opens doors and gives favor, demonstrating that no potential help is beyond His power. Civil authorities derive their power from God, and He directs the thoughts and decisions of leaders to move history in the direction He desires. All authority, including that of Jesus Christ, comes from the Father, who is the ultimate source of power. Even Satan's actions are limited by God's power, as God sets boundaries on what Satan can do. God empowers us with His Spirit, faith, repentance, justification, sanctification, and various gifts to perform our roles within the church. Every strength we need for salvation comes from God, and we are encouraged to turn to Him in all circumstances.

The Right Use of Power

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

With dominion comes responsibility to maintain. The sad history of mankind shows that he has mismanaged his power, bringing about disease, war, and famine.

Made Alive by Exceeding Greatness!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God granted humans a limited measure of power and dominion at creation, but not until the Day of Pentecost of 31 AD did their potential become fully operative.

Government (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our attitude toward government must be one of submission. The church cannot perform its function without the cooperation of the carnal civil governments.